The satellite is likely a Kobalt M reconnaissance satellite carrying a camera to snap photos of military installations, troop movements and other sites of interest around the world. Kobalt satellites orbit between 150 miles (240 km) and 300 miles (480 km) above Earth. High-resolution cameras on Kobalt satellites capture images of locations around the world. Kobalt spacecraft reportedly carry canisters to return film to Earth during the satellite's mission, which will last at least several months.